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The Daughter In Law
No one is good enough for her son…
As a single mother, Annie has an especially close relationship with her son, Ben. They have always been together. Just the two of them. So, when Ben brings home his mysterious beautiful new wife, Daisy, immediately Annie doesn’t trust her. Who is this woman who has taken her son away from her? And what is she hiding?
She’ll protect him with her life…
When Ben disappears, suddenly Annie and Daisy are all the other one has. Alone in Annie’s big, remote house, just the two of them, the tension is rising. And like any protective mother, Annie will stop at nothing to expose her new daughter in law, and the secrets she is hiding…
A gripping, psychological page-turner, perfect for fans of Sally Hepworth's The Mother In Law, Lisa Jewell and K.L. Slater.
'Totally addictive. I couldn't put it down!' Darren O'Sullivan, author of Closer Than You Think
'A claustrophobic, nail-biting thriller that draws you in and doesn't let go.' Naomi Joy, author of The Liars
‘Clever, emotionally draining and totally gripping. I absolutely loved this book!’ D E White, author of Remember Me
'I give this book 5 Wows!'
'Absolutely fantastic had me gripped!!! Loved it! Can't wait for more from this author.'
'5 stars! What a great book!'
'This did not disappoint. Lots of twists and turns and I loved the ending. Cannot wait to read more from this author.'
'There is quite a few twists in this story but the biggest twist is the one at the end and I didn’t have a clue.'
'A ridiculously good book. I loved every single page and couldn't put it down.'
'Fantastic, creepy, dark and chilling.'
'This book was excellent!'
Fast paced, with twists and some turns you can see coming this is the perfect beach read.'
'A page turner that I couldn’t put down!!!'
'I couldn't put it down'
As a single mother, Annie has an especially close relationship with her son, Ben. They have always been together. Just the two of them. So, when Ben brings home his mysterious beautiful new wife, Daisy, immediately Annie doesn’t trust her. Who is this woman who has taken her son away from her? And what is she hiding?
She’ll protect him with her life…
When Ben disappears, suddenly Annie and Daisy are all the other one has. Alone in Annie’s big, remote house, just the two of them, the tension is rising. And like any protective mother, Annie will stop at nothing to expose her new daughter in law, and the secrets she is hiding…
A gripping, psychological page-turner, perfect for fans of Sally Hepworth's The Mother In Law, Lisa Jewell and K.L. Slater.
'Totally addictive. I couldn't put it down!' Darren O'Sullivan, author of Closer Than You Think
'A claustrophobic, nail-biting thriller that draws you in and doesn't let go.' Naomi Joy, author of The Liars
‘Clever, emotionally draining and totally gripping. I absolutely loved this book!’ D E White, author of Remember Me
'I give this book 5 Wows!'
'Absolutely fantastic had me gripped!!! Loved it! Can't wait for more from this author.'
'5 stars! What a great book!'
'This did not disappoint. Lots of twists and turns and I loved the ending. Cannot wait to read more from this author.'
'There is quite a few twists in this story but the biggest twist is the one at the end and I didn’t have a clue.'
'A ridiculously good book. I loved every single page and couldn't put it down.'
'Fantastic, creepy, dark and chilling.'
'This book was excellent!'
Fast paced, with twists and some turns you can see coming this is the perfect beach read.'
'A page turner that I couldn’t put down!!!'
'I couldn't put it down'
350 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2019
1176 people are currently reading
3289 people want to read
About the author
Nina Manning
30 books333 followersNina Manning began her career in the catering industry. She has worked as a private chef cooking for royalty and TV personalities.
She has a degree in Psychology and has three books published with Boldwood: The Daughter In Law, The Guilty Wife and The House Mate.
Her fourth Psychological thriller is published in Spring 2021.
Nina is a voracious reader of many genres, is the founding member of a long standing book club and the founder and co-host of a book podcast called Sniffing The Pages.
She is a mother to three young children so when she is not writing or reading she can usually be found scaling a soft play tower or romping in the woods with the family and her chocolate Labrador.
She has a degree in Psychology and has three books published with Boldwood: The Daughter In Law, The Guilty Wife and The House Mate.
Her fourth Psychological thriller is published in Spring 2021.
Nina is a voracious reader of many genres, is the founding member of a long standing book club and the founder and co-host of a book podcast called Sniffing The Pages.
She is a mother to three young children so when she is not writing or reading she can usually be found scaling a soft play tower or romping in the woods with the family and her chocolate Labrador.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 759 reviews
July 23, 2019
When Annie meets her new daughter-in-law Daisy she is not impressed, although no one would be good enough for her precious son Ben who she raised single handed. The fact that they married secretly doesn’t exactly help matters.
The chapters alternate between Daisy and Annie’s point of view. Is Annie just a overly protective mother who wants the best for her son? What is the secret Daisy is hiding?
This is a great psychological thriller that kept me captive until I finished the book. The twists and turns made me dizzy keeping up and the ending was .... well let’s just say I did not see that coming!!!
Nina Manning is an author to look out for.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
November 15, 2022
I could spend 45 hours describing the digestion of cabbage in canines and it would be more engrossing than this book.
85% of the words Manning used were pointless- they didn't move the plot, didn't bring to life characters, didn't create atmosphere. It was just generic garbage that could have been said by anyone, anywhere.
The plot was so obvious that I kept doubting it. Like would you really spell everything out so blatantly in a thriller? Manning would.
Every character was under developed.
I'm a shit writer, and even I could have barfed up a better book than this.
SPOILERS I want to rant about:
1) There was never a single point in time that anyone would have thought that Grace and Annie were different people. If Manning had wanted to create this as a gotcha, she failed horribly. It was obviously a different timeline that would in no way intersect with the main timeline. Poorly set up rubbish.
2) I think Annie was supposed to be a narcissist. It's hard to tell what the author was driving at. The thing is she wrote things from Annie's point of view too evil for the brain of a narc. Narcissists are notorious for finding themselves blameless. It's outside people who see the Narcissistic tendencies, and neither Daisy nor Ben's stories brought that to life.
3) Ben being locked in the basement for months was the stupidest thing ever. Either Annie should have been evil enough to kill him or he should have ran away. Even with all the drugs I am doubting that Daisy wouldn't have heard or suspected anything for three months.
4) The writing was so poor it was hard to tell what had happened with Eve's murder. And it didn't make any sense that Eve would abandon her best friend on her birthday. Wtf?
I really hated this book.
85% of the words Manning used were pointless- they didn't move the plot, didn't bring to life characters, didn't create atmosphere. It was just generic garbage that could have been said by anyone, anywhere.
The plot was so obvious that I kept doubting it. Like would you really spell everything out so blatantly in a thriller? Manning would.
Every character was under developed.
I'm a shit writer, and even I could have barfed up a better book than this.
SPOILERS I want to rant about:
1) There was never a single point in time that anyone would have thought that Grace and Annie were different people. If Manning had wanted to create this as a gotcha, she failed horribly. It was obviously a different timeline that would in no way intersect with the main timeline. Poorly set up rubbish.
2) I think Annie was supposed to be a narcissist. It's hard to tell what the author was driving at. The thing is she wrote things from Annie's point of view too evil for the brain of a narc. Narcissists are notorious for finding themselves blameless. It's outside people who see the Narcissistic tendencies, and neither Daisy nor Ben's stories brought that to life.
3) Ben being locked in the basement for months was the stupidest thing ever. Either Annie should have been evil enough to kill him or he should have ran away. Even with all the drugs I am doubting that Daisy wouldn't have heard or suspected anything for three months.
4) The writing was so poor it was hard to tell what had happened with Eve's murder. And it didn't make any sense that Eve would abandon her best friend on her birthday. Wtf?
I really hated this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2019
Annie brought her son, Ben up single handed. Her love for her son is unconstitutional. But Ben is all grown up. He's a musician and he meets Daisy. Dainty and Ben secretly marry as she is also pregnant. She is five months when Ben finally takes her to meet his mother.
Oh wow. Be prepared for Annie to get under your skin and stay there long after you finish the book. There is quite a lot goes on in this book. There is a few things that were not quite made clear, like who one of the characters was that we had not heard about through the book, I think I know who she was though. There are random chapters told by Grace. At first they confused me, then it all slotted into place. I did get a bit wrong but I can't tell you what it was as it would spoil it for you. I couldn't read this book quick enough. My only criticism is the last 25% felt a bit rushed. As if the author couldn't wait to tie in the loose ends. If the story had played out a little longer this would be definitely be a 5⭐️ read.
I also need to thank my friend, Stina for recommending this book to me.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Boldworld Books and the author Nina Manning for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Oh wow. Be prepared for Annie to get under your skin and stay there long after you finish the book. There is quite a lot goes on in this book. There is a few things that were not quite made clear, like who one of the characters was that we had not heard about through the book, I think I know who she was though. There are random chapters told by Grace. At first they confused me, then it all slotted into place. I did get a bit wrong but I can't tell you what it was as it would spoil it for you. I couldn't read this book quick enough. My only criticism is the last 25% felt a bit rushed. As if the author couldn't wait to tie in the loose ends. If the story had played out a little longer this would be definitely be a 5⭐️ read.
I also need to thank my friend, Stina for recommending this book to me.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Boldworld Books and the author Nina Manning for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2020
2.5 stars
This book had a creepy feel to it. It was a disturbing look at mother-in-law/daughter-in-law dynamics. And although I typically enjoy domestic thrillers involving mother-in-laws, this particular plot rang a little too far fetched for me to be able to take it seriously. There was some definite eye rolling going on.
The story revolves around the dysfunctional and possessive relationship between Ben, his wife, Daisy and his mother, Annie. It primarily alternates between two POV’s - Annie and Daisy - but there is also an intermittent mystery character, Grace, POV. It is the type of thriller that has a few surprises and a twist at the end. However, it was predictable and I was able to guess everything. This made the story less compelling for me. I also had a hard time connecting to the writing in that it was too slow and repetitive in spots. All of these factors led to my lower rating. However, it is an eerie story with some gripping moments, and certainly one that I can see others loving if they don’t guess the ending.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book had a creepy feel to it. It was a disturbing look at mother-in-law/daughter-in-law dynamics. And although I typically enjoy domestic thrillers involving mother-in-laws, this particular plot rang a little too far fetched for me to be able to take it seriously. There was some definite eye rolling going on.
The story revolves around the dysfunctional and possessive relationship between Ben, his wife, Daisy and his mother, Annie. It primarily alternates between two POV’s - Annie and Daisy - but there is also an intermittent mystery character, Grace, POV. It is the type of thriller that has a few surprises and a twist at the end. However, it was predictable and I was able to guess everything. This made the story less compelling for me. I also had a hard time connecting to the writing in that it was too slow and repetitive in spots. All of these factors led to my lower rating. However, it is an eerie story with some gripping moments, and certainly one that I can see others loving if they don’t guess the ending.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2019
Holy cow!!!! What did i just read???? This book is a psychological thriller unlike anything I have read. And it’s the authors debut novel??? How in the heck did she come up with this stuff? My heart is still pounding! This book had me on the edge of my seat the whole entire time. I could not figure out what was happening next and I could not put this down till I read it all. It had me guessing until the very end!! And boy oh boy what an ending it was!!! I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review. Just plan on devouring this book in record time! 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ from me! To be published August 1, 2019
August 20, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. There are so many amazing books out and so many I want to read all at once so this has been a book where I’ve been swapping inverses books. I spent my focus on this book from about 60%. I’m glad I did. I just wanted to keep reading.
Recommend
Recommend
October 28, 2022
This is a juicy story about a clearly disturbed mother who’s obsessed with her adult son. Oh, the creepiness of it! If Annie had her way, Ben would live with her forever, just the two of them, her making his bed and meals, him doing nothing other than breathing. Unfortunately, Ben has other plans…like knocking a girl up and marrying her without telling his mother, and Annie is convienced this jezebel has seduced her son and is going to destroy him. After all, she recognizes Daisy from somewhere, she’s sure of it.
Daisy, though smitten with Ben, is keenly aware that her mother-in-law is off. However, after a freak accident that kills her friend and destroys their apartment, Ben and Daisy have nowhere to go but Annie’s large house on the ocean. Unfortunately, Ben has to leave for work in order to support his new family. Numb with grief and shock, Daisy lets her suddenly kind mother-in-law take care of her. And that’s when it starts getting really creepy. This was a very fun read, though I did want to kick Daisy from time to time when she bordered on idiocy (taking tranquilizers despite being six months preggers, never reaching out to the one friend she has left). But Annie is a wonderful sociopath of a villain, and the plot twists kept a-coming.
Daisy, though smitten with Ben, is keenly aware that her mother-in-law is off. However, after a freak accident that kills her friend and destroys their apartment, Ben and Daisy have nowhere to go but Annie’s large house on the ocean. Unfortunately, Ben has to leave for work in order to support his new family. Numb with grief and shock, Daisy lets her suddenly kind mother-in-law take care of her. And that’s when it starts getting really creepy. This was a very fun read, though I did want to kick Daisy from time to time when she bordered on idiocy (taking tranquilizers despite being six months preggers, never reaching out to the one friend she has left). But Annie is a wonderful sociopath of a villain, and the plot twists kept a-coming.
February 26, 2020
*Gripping Page Turner*
Initially I thought this was going to be a book based on the dynamics between a mother who could not handle the relationship between her son and his wife. Whilst that was the case there was a much darker element. It seemed slightly confusing with the backwards and forwards then I realised quite quickly the reason why the mother Annie as we now know her kept her son isolated and she interpreted it as love but her behaviour was unhinged by the lengths she would go to keep her entire world just as Her and Ben.
Ben met and married Daisy within a short time and she became pregnant very early on and there was a slight age gap between with Daisy being the older of the two which did not sit comfortably with Annie. Also they got married without telling Annie and she saw it as a betrayal and a catalogue of things happen and one tragic and heartbreaking thing happens that brings Ben & Daisy back to live with Annie, but Annie was shocked that it was not Ben on his own so that they could become Annie & Ben again.
Annie could not and would never see her behaviour as unhinged, controlling and manipulating to her she was justified. How long would she continue this way and with Daisy carrying what Annie sees as her child and a fresh start to continue this toxic behaviour how far would she be prepared to go????
Initially I thought this was going to be a book based on the dynamics between a mother who could not handle the relationship between her son and his wife. Whilst that was the case there was a much darker element. It seemed slightly confusing with the backwards and forwards then I realised quite quickly the reason why the mother Annie as we now know her kept her son isolated and she interpreted it as love but her behaviour was unhinged by the lengths she would go to keep her entire world just as Her and Ben.
Ben met and married Daisy within a short time and she became pregnant very early on and there was a slight age gap between with Daisy being the older of the two which did not sit comfortably with Annie. Also they got married without telling Annie and she saw it as a betrayal and a catalogue of things happen and one tragic and heartbreaking thing happens that brings Ben & Daisy back to live with Annie, but Annie was shocked that it was not Ben on his own so that they could become Annie & Ben again.
Annie could not and would never see her behaviour as unhinged, controlling and manipulating to her she was justified. How long would she continue this way and with Daisy carrying what Annie sees as her child and a fresh start to continue this toxic behaviour how far would she be prepared to go????
August 10, 2019
Wow! This is such a fantastic psychological thriller that it is hard to believe it is the author's debut. THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW had me glued to each page and devouring every word that I could not put down until I finished! So full of twists it will leave your mind reeling and your head spinning!
When I first read the premise for the book, I thought it would be something like Kim Slater's "Liar". I was wrong. This was so much more and then-some!
The story begins with Annie who lives in an isolated seaside cottage she inherited from her drunken father many years ago. As a single mother, she thought it was the perfect place to raise her son Ben and always kept him close, loving their life together. It had always been just the two of them - Annie and Ben. They needed no one else.
Until Ben met Daisy.
After a whirlwind affair and discovering she was pregnant, Ben and Daisy married in a quiet ceremony within months of meeting. He adores her and she is utterly in love with him and together they complete each other. They share a flat with Daisy's best friend Eve and are incredibly happy. Life is good within their little bubble...what could possibly go wrong?
Enter Annie, stage door left.
As it had always been just the two of them, Annie seemingly struggles with the concept of Ben finding love beyond his mother. She doesn't believe they need anyone else but each other. The fact that they married in secret without telling anyone - especially Annie - doesn't help nor thrill her one bit. So when Ben brings Daisy to his childhood home to meet his mother, it is not a warm or welcome meeting.
It begins with just little things that Daisy thinks she imagines them. The dismissive look. The accusatory glance. The smile that doesn't reach the eyes. Her hand pressed against the scalding hot teapot. The refusal to acknowledge her pregnancy. And the constant chill in the air of what should be a cosy home. Daisy doesn't know what it is but it's clear that Annie doesn't welcome her. Her appearance is an obvious intrusion into what Annie perceives as her's and Ben's lives. The image she had envisioned of a warm and fluffy woman from the photo Ben had shown her of his mother was merely just wishful thinking. Annie does not want her here.
Ben is caught in the middle of his mother and his wife. A musician whose work comes in fits and spurts, Annie makes it abundantly clear that they would struggle to rely on Ben's income. Daisy is confused - is she proud of her son or not?
Then Ben gets offered a huge gig in Scotland to record an album with a band - but it means leaving Daisy for several months. He is excited at the prospect and Daisy encourages him to take it as it would mean experience for him and money for them and the baby. While he doesn't need to leave until after Christmas, he hopes to be back before the baby is born.
When the flat they share with Eve erupts in a gas explosion, killing her best friend and destroying all their belongings, Ben and Daisy have no choice but to move in with Annie. But grieving the loss of Eve, Daisy is uncomfortable in Annie's house, as Annie obviously doesn't welcome her presence. Still she tries to make the best of it for Ben's sake and soon wonders if this could be a good opportunity for the women to bond.
But Annie has other ideas. She recognises Daisy's face from somewhere and has racked her brain from the moment she met her. Until it came to her. Searching the internet for information, she finds what she needs and prints it out to confront Ben with the truth about his wife.
Ben then confronts Daisy. They have words and Ben storms out the house and disappears to Scotland for this big job he had lined up. Daisy regrets their row and messages Ben constantly her apologies but receives no response. And as the days roll into weeks and months with still no word from Ben, Daisy must resign herself that he may not return.
Tortured with grief at the loss of her best friend Eve and now with the absence of her husband, Daisy spirals into a deep depression and finds that Annie is all she has now and that she must rely on her mother-in-law to care for her. Still she questions why Ben doesn't respond and after weeks of silence from him Daisy finds herself complying with Annie, believing that she probably knows best. But does she really?
From the beginning we know that something about Annie is off. Although the bond between a mother and child is strong, Annie's obsession with Ben and their "secret party of two" is not normal. Does she truly want what's best for her grandchild? Or are her motives more sinister? But then is Daisy all that she appears to be? What is her terrible secret that she feels she is unworthy of motherhood? What does Annie know about her that drove Ben away in anger? And why is Ben different? Why does he have memories that don't correlate with the upbringing he's had? And why does Annie insist that he loves his mum while Ben appears indifferent, reluctant to talk about her? So many questions as we turn the pages at a brisk pace in search of the answers.
Annie and Daisy tell their stories in alternate chapters in the first person, bringing a personal perspective to the plot. Their thoughts draw us into the abyss of their confused minds with their equally complicated narratives. And then there is Grace, who shares her own remarkable story. Who is she? And where does she fit in?
With each chapter the story unfolds delivering new revelations so shocking that make THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW a compelling and intriguing read you cannot put down. The characters are complex, emotionally damaged in their own ways, but entirely believable. It is easy to feel empathy for Daisy in her predicament from which she cannot escape. She is grieving and she is missing her husband, added to that her hormones are playing havoc with her emotions making her easy prey for the mother-in-law from hell.
But almost from the start we know Annie is someone we just love to hate. She is a master manipulator determined to get her own way, with an overpowering dominance and a warped idea of love. The way she totally justifies her actions in her narrative just made me devour her chapters even quicker. The woman is a sociopath. She cannot feel love, only a misplaced sense of love, nor is she remorseful for anything she does or has done.
But mark my words, be prepared for Annie to get under your skin and stay there long after you have finished the book. She told us herself - "When I feel unhinged, who knows what I'm capable of?!"
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW is twisted with a capital T. Clever, but oh so twisted! The psychological rollercoaster ride we are taken on is fast-paced and thrilling as the story progresses, keeping us guessing who is hiding the biggest secret?
With a Hitchcockian tension that is palpable from the start, THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW is filled with suspense so compelling that part of you will want to savour the sheer brilliance of such a twisted tale while the other wants to race to the finish just to escape Annie, who will both terrify you and infuriate you.
As the penultimate climax builds so does the tension unfolding to a dramatic conclusion that will keep readers glued to the very last page. My only complaint is that the ending felt a little rushed which could be due to the building tension throughout the entire book. Still, I had hoped for more karma at the end.
While there was plenty of confusion throughout, I did piece some of the puzzle together quite early but that never deters from my enjoyment of a good story. I had my suspicions and at other times I was completely baffled. A brilliant thriller, THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW - which should really be called THE MOTHER-IN-LAW - was creepy, sinister and completely twisted. The more disturbed, the more delicious!
I cannot believe this is Nina Manning's debut. She excels in this genre so brilliantly and is an author to watch out for. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
Highly, highly recommended, deserving of more than the 5 stars I can only give.
I would like to thank #NinaManning, #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheDaugherInLaw in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
When I first read the premise for the book, I thought it would be something like Kim Slater's "Liar". I was wrong. This was so much more and then-some!
The story begins with Annie who lives in an isolated seaside cottage she inherited from her drunken father many years ago. As a single mother, she thought it was the perfect place to raise her son Ben and always kept him close, loving their life together. It had always been just the two of them - Annie and Ben. They needed no one else.
Until Ben met Daisy.
After a whirlwind affair and discovering she was pregnant, Ben and Daisy married in a quiet ceremony within months of meeting. He adores her and she is utterly in love with him and together they complete each other. They share a flat with Daisy's best friend Eve and are incredibly happy. Life is good within their little bubble...what could possibly go wrong?
Enter Annie, stage door left.
As it had always been just the two of them, Annie seemingly struggles with the concept of Ben finding love beyond his mother. She doesn't believe they need anyone else but each other. The fact that they married in secret without telling anyone - especially Annie - doesn't help nor thrill her one bit. So when Ben brings Daisy to his childhood home to meet his mother, it is not a warm or welcome meeting.
It begins with just little things that Daisy thinks she imagines them. The dismissive look. The accusatory glance. The smile that doesn't reach the eyes. Her hand pressed against the scalding hot teapot. The refusal to acknowledge her pregnancy. And the constant chill in the air of what should be a cosy home. Daisy doesn't know what it is but it's clear that Annie doesn't welcome her. Her appearance is an obvious intrusion into what Annie perceives as her's and Ben's lives. The image she had envisioned of a warm and fluffy woman from the photo Ben had shown her of his mother was merely just wishful thinking. Annie does not want her here.
Ben is caught in the middle of his mother and his wife. A musician whose work comes in fits and spurts, Annie makes it abundantly clear that they would struggle to rely on Ben's income. Daisy is confused - is she proud of her son or not?
Then Ben gets offered a huge gig in Scotland to record an album with a band - but it means leaving Daisy for several months. He is excited at the prospect and Daisy encourages him to take it as it would mean experience for him and money for them and the baby. While he doesn't need to leave until after Christmas, he hopes to be back before the baby is born.
When the flat they share with Eve erupts in a gas explosion, killing her best friend and destroying all their belongings, Ben and Daisy have no choice but to move in with Annie. But grieving the loss of Eve, Daisy is uncomfortable in Annie's house, as Annie obviously doesn't welcome her presence. Still she tries to make the best of it for Ben's sake and soon wonders if this could be a good opportunity for the women to bond.
But Annie has other ideas. She recognises Daisy's face from somewhere and has racked her brain from the moment she met her. Until it came to her. Searching the internet for information, she finds what she needs and prints it out to confront Ben with the truth about his wife.
Ben then confronts Daisy. They have words and Ben storms out the house and disappears to Scotland for this big job he had lined up. Daisy regrets their row and messages Ben constantly her apologies but receives no response. And as the days roll into weeks and months with still no word from Ben, Daisy must resign herself that he may not return.
Tortured with grief at the loss of her best friend Eve and now with the absence of her husband, Daisy spirals into a deep depression and finds that Annie is all she has now and that she must rely on her mother-in-law to care for her. Still she questions why Ben doesn't respond and after weeks of silence from him Daisy finds herself complying with Annie, believing that she probably knows best. But does she really?
From the beginning we know that something about Annie is off. Although the bond between a mother and child is strong, Annie's obsession with Ben and their "secret party of two" is not normal. Does she truly want what's best for her grandchild? Or are her motives more sinister? But then is Daisy all that she appears to be? What is her terrible secret that she feels she is unworthy of motherhood? What does Annie know about her that drove Ben away in anger? And why is Ben different? Why does he have memories that don't correlate with the upbringing he's had? And why does Annie insist that he loves his mum while Ben appears indifferent, reluctant to talk about her? So many questions as we turn the pages at a brisk pace in search of the answers.
Annie and Daisy tell their stories in alternate chapters in the first person, bringing a personal perspective to the plot. Their thoughts draw us into the abyss of their confused minds with their equally complicated narratives. And then there is Grace, who shares her own remarkable story. Who is she? And where does she fit in?
With each chapter the story unfolds delivering new revelations so shocking that make THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW a compelling and intriguing read you cannot put down. The characters are complex, emotionally damaged in their own ways, but entirely believable. It is easy to feel empathy for Daisy in her predicament from which she cannot escape. She is grieving and she is missing her husband, added to that her hormones are playing havoc with her emotions making her easy prey for the mother-in-law from hell.
But almost from the start we know Annie is someone we just love to hate. She is a master manipulator determined to get her own way, with an overpowering dominance and a warped idea of love. The way she totally justifies her actions in her narrative just made me devour her chapters even quicker. The woman is a sociopath. She cannot feel love, only a misplaced sense of love, nor is she remorseful for anything she does or has done.
But mark my words, be prepared for Annie to get under your skin and stay there long after you have finished the book. She told us herself - "When I feel unhinged, who knows what I'm capable of?!"
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW is twisted with a capital T. Clever, but oh so twisted! The psychological rollercoaster ride we are taken on is fast-paced and thrilling as the story progresses, keeping us guessing who is hiding the biggest secret?
With a Hitchcockian tension that is palpable from the start, THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW is filled with suspense so compelling that part of you will want to savour the sheer brilliance of such a twisted tale while the other wants to race to the finish just to escape Annie, who will both terrify you and infuriate you.
As the penultimate climax builds so does the tension unfolding to a dramatic conclusion that will keep readers glued to the very last page. My only complaint is that the ending felt a little rushed which could be due to the building tension throughout the entire book. Still, I had hoped for more karma at the end.
While there was plenty of confusion throughout, I did piece some of the puzzle together quite early but that never deters from my enjoyment of a good story. I had my suspicions and at other times I was completely baffled. A brilliant thriller, THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW - which should really be called THE MOTHER-IN-LAW - was creepy, sinister and completely twisted. The more disturbed, the more delicious!
I cannot believe this is Nina Manning's debut. She excels in this genre so brilliantly and is an author to watch out for. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
Highly, highly recommended, deserving of more than the 5 stars I can only give.
I would like to thank #NinaManning, #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheDaugherInLaw in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
August 17, 2019
Wow this book was evil and delicious. I couldn't even believe the twists it had. Human psyche with its obsessions was explored in a wicked way. Nina Manning in her debut, had written a book which is too hot to handle.
2 women and a man in the middle was probably an equation every woman knew in her married life. Mother-in-Law Annie loved her son Ben a lot. Nobody was good enough for him, and certainly not his wife Daisy who was the odd woman out. Soon Ben left for a 3 month job in the music industry, Daisy's best friend died, her house burned down, and she had to come to stay with the dreaded and oh so weird mother-in-law.
Ms Manning's writing pulled me in. I read the book with a sense of growing horror, knowing trouble was soon brewing. This beach house with a fabulous view had been festering secrets. Manipulations and lies were the trademarks. Each character had a mask on. I rushed through the book to get to the real face beneath it.
My niggle too found its place. I knew where the story was heading. BUT, hold on!! I never saw THE LAST TWIST COMING. Whoosh!! My breath escaped in a sigh, and I couldn't believe what I was reading.
Didn't I say it was delicious? A teaser of a read became a complete book. One of my weekend midnight reads. Wow.
2 women and a man in the middle was probably an equation every woman knew in her married life. Mother-in-Law Annie loved her son Ben a lot. Nobody was good enough for him, and certainly not his wife Daisy who was the odd woman out. Soon Ben left for a 3 month job in the music industry, Daisy's best friend died, her house burned down, and she had to come to stay with the dreaded and oh so weird mother-in-law.
Ms Manning's writing pulled me in. I read the book with a sense of growing horror, knowing trouble was soon brewing. This beach house with a fabulous view had been festering secrets. Manipulations and lies were the trademarks. Each character had a mask on. I rushed through the book to get to the real face beneath it.
My niggle too found its place. I knew where the story was heading. BUT, hold on!! I never saw THE LAST TWIST COMING. Whoosh!! My breath escaped in a sigh, and I couldn't believe what I was reading.
Didn't I say it was delicious? A teaser of a read became a complete book. One of my weekend midnight reads. Wow.
October 26, 2022
"..because the bond between a mother and son is a special one. It remains unchanged by time or distance. It is the purest love, unconditional and true. It is understanding of any situation and forgiving of any mistake.
As a single mother, Annie has a very close relationship with her son, Ben. They have always been together. Just the two of them, living in a remote beach house. When Ben brings home his mysterious beautiful new wife, Daisy, immediately Annie knows there's something familiar about her.
Shortly after, Annie discovers the truth about Daisy's past and she is determined to get her son back. Then Ben suddenly disappears and Annie will stop at nothing to make things right.
My thoughts:
This is the perfect thriller with Halloween around the corner. It's super creepy! The pace of the book is slow, but it draws you in from the start. Narrator's Helen Keeley and Candida Gubbins did a fantastic job. 👍👍😲
As a single mother, Annie has a very close relationship with her son, Ben. They have always been together. Just the two of them, living in a remote beach house. When Ben brings home his mysterious beautiful new wife, Daisy, immediately Annie knows there's something familiar about her.
Shortly after, Annie discovers the truth about Daisy's past and she is determined to get her son back. Then Ben suddenly disappears and Annie will stop at nothing to make things right.
My thoughts:
This is the perfect thriller with Halloween around the corner. It's super creepy! The pace of the book is slow, but it draws you in from the start. Narrator's Helen Keeley and Candida Gubbins did a fantastic job. 👍👍😲
September 7, 2022
Not horrible but looking back at this book, I can't think of a twist that wasn't glaringly obvious from pretty early on.
The victim-blaming was pretty atrocious, too. Rant incoming:
The ending was very convenient and plot twists, as mentioned before, were incredibly obvious. I'm not sure if I'm convinced at all.
All that being said, it wasn't that bad of a read. Went by easy and quick enough, for sure. As long as you're not looking for a carefully planned and plotted book with plot twists that'll knock you off your feet, I think this is okay.
The victim-blaming was pretty atrocious, too. Rant incoming:
The ending was very convenient and plot twists, as mentioned before, were incredibly obvious. I'm not sure if I'm convinced at all.
All that being said, it wasn't that bad of a read. Went by easy and quick enough, for sure. As long as you're not looking for a carefully planned and plotted book with plot twists that'll knock you off your feet, I think this is okay.
April 9, 2021
Daisy has had an extremely hard life and is haunted with secrets. She finally feels like her life is starting to get better after a surprise pregnancy and quick marriage to Ben. Ben's mother, Annie, feels like Daisy is taking Ben away from her.... and she will stop at nothing to make sure he doesn't leave her again.
I liked how this story came together, how it went from Daisy to Annie and then a mysterious character called 'Grace'. I didn't see the twists coming, especially the huge one hidden away that comes out at the end. It wasn't exactly fast paced, however the story has a really natural flow that makes reading it so easy, and the chapters are nice and short.
It's definitely worth a read!
I liked how this story came together, how it went from Daisy to Annie and then a mysterious character called 'Grace'. I didn't see the twists coming, especially the huge one hidden away that comes out at the end. It wasn't exactly fast paced, however the story has a really natural flow that makes reading it so easy, and the chapters are nice and short.
It's definitely worth a read!
August 10, 2019
Predictable and poorly written
The ‘plot’ was obvious, almost from the outset - no surprises here. This story has been told so many times - I guess that’s forgivable - there are, after all, only so many stories.
What is not, forgivable, however, is the appalling grammar. People are not ‘sat’. They are ‘seated’ or ‘sitting’. It is ‘A N Other and I’ - it is NOT ‘me and A N Other’ - and so on and so forth. Really, really irritating. These kinds of glaring grammatical errors should not occur in published works. And, then, of course, are the random ‘Americanisms’ I.e ‘autopsy’ and “gotten’.
These, all too frequent, teeth grinding moments,together with a thin, wholly predictable plot, make this book a complete ‘no no’ for me.
Don’t waste your time reading it.
The ‘plot’ was obvious, almost from the outset - no surprises here. This story has been told so many times - I guess that’s forgivable - there are, after all, only so many stories.
What is not, forgivable, however, is the appalling grammar. People are not ‘sat’. They are ‘seated’ or ‘sitting’. It is ‘A N Other and I’ - it is NOT ‘me and A N Other’ - and so on and so forth. Really, really irritating. These kinds of glaring grammatical errors should not occur in published works. And, then, of course, are the random ‘Americanisms’ I.e ‘autopsy’ and “gotten’.
These, all too frequent, teeth grinding moments,together with a thin, wholly predictable plot, make this book a complete ‘no no’ for me.
Don’t waste your time reading it.
August 8, 2019
Gosh, where do you start with a book like this! Unreliable narrators and crazy-ass women complete check in this book! The Daughter-in-Law consists mainly of two characters, Annie and Daisy, the daughter-in-law. When I cracked this open, I didn’t have a clue where I was going to be taken. I felt the blurb was ambiguous and I read it a couple of times to try and tease out new information but got nothing. Instead, the book just enveloped me.
Ben and Daisy have a rather whirlwind relationship which leads to a “shotgun wedding”, Ben brings Daisy home one day to meet his mother as he’s been avoiding her for months and to say that Daisy got a frosty reception is an understatement. Annie takes smothering a child and mummy boys phrases to an entirely new playing field. Something didn’t sit right with me with her.
However, what I have always loved is an unreliable narrator stance, so when you view things from Annie’s chapter it makes you wonder if Daisy is everything that Annie says she is. Then when you read Daisy’s chapter it’s completely different. So what is the truth?!
I spent a lot of the time shaking my head at the book, and getting a bit irate from the behaviour of these women as the book focuses mainly on the two of them living in Annie’s house during the run-up to Daisy giving birth. Daisy at times was very submissive with Annie, she did as she was told, took her pills and played a quiet little mouse well. I got annoyed as I wanted her to question everything I had been. Granted I know when suffering from depression it’s very easy to hide away in that hole, I do, but I hated not knowing too! Annie is a complete control freak and also very damn right rude at times with her snipes. Not sure I would be able to hold my tongue, let alone smile and try to enjoy lunch. Her world starts and finishes with Ben.
Slowly, so very slowly we learn new information from throwaway comments and I lapped everything up trying to piece the puzzle together. I suspected one thread but I hit my head hard when Manning pulled the rug out from under with a reveal. Didn’t see it coming and that is something I loved!
The book is intense, although it doesn’t feel like much is happening. the chapters are short and snappy and I found myself at times holding my breath waiting for something to happen. I love a book grips you like this, creating a huge black cloud of foreboding, making you crave the next page, next chapter to find out what the frick is going on.
My head is buzzing from this book and where I was unsure of where I was going it knocked the wind out of me. Gah, you have to read it! I can’t explain any more of the plot it would just ruin it, but always go with your gut feelings! I know I did and it paid off!
Seriously I have to add, this is a blinking debut! How!! This book is so well crafted already, the writing flows and grabs your attention from the get-go. Manning knows how to pull you in and keep you glued to the pages of her book. She knows how much information to give you in each chapter, just enough to keep turning the pages. It has unnerved me, not many books can rattle me by the end and only a few have. This one has done something to my brain, it has got me a bit on edge, I can’t trust anyone now!!!!!!! Writing like this is why I love reading. With a story that packs in different subjects that truly hit home upon reflection and crafted the way Manning has done in her book tells you a lot! I am so excited to see what she does next.
Ben and Daisy have a rather whirlwind relationship which leads to a “shotgun wedding”, Ben brings Daisy home one day to meet his mother as he’s been avoiding her for months and to say that Daisy got a frosty reception is an understatement. Annie takes smothering a child and mummy boys phrases to an entirely new playing field. Something didn’t sit right with me with her.
However, what I have always loved is an unreliable narrator stance, so when you view things from Annie’s chapter it makes you wonder if Daisy is everything that Annie says she is. Then when you read Daisy’s chapter it’s completely different. So what is the truth?!
I spent a lot of the time shaking my head at the book, and getting a bit irate from the behaviour of these women as the book focuses mainly on the two of them living in Annie’s house during the run-up to Daisy giving birth. Daisy at times was very submissive with Annie, she did as she was told, took her pills and played a quiet little mouse well. I got annoyed as I wanted her to question everything I had been. Granted I know when suffering from depression it’s very easy to hide away in that hole, I do, but I hated not knowing too! Annie is a complete control freak and also very damn right rude at times with her snipes. Not sure I would be able to hold my tongue, let alone smile and try to enjoy lunch. Her world starts and finishes with Ben.
Slowly, so very slowly we learn new information from throwaway comments and I lapped everything up trying to piece the puzzle together. I suspected one thread but I hit my head hard when Manning pulled the rug out from under with a reveal. Didn’t see it coming and that is something I loved!
The book is intense, although it doesn’t feel like much is happening. the chapters are short and snappy and I found myself at times holding my breath waiting for something to happen. I love a book grips you like this, creating a huge black cloud of foreboding, making you crave the next page, next chapter to find out what the frick is going on.
My head is buzzing from this book and where I was unsure of where I was going it knocked the wind out of me. Gah, you have to read it! I can’t explain any more of the plot it would just ruin it, but always go with your gut feelings! I know I did and it paid off!
Seriously I have to add, this is a blinking debut! How!! This book is so well crafted already, the writing flows and grabs your attention from the get-go. Manning knows how to pull you in and keep you glued to the pages of her book. She knows how much information to give you in each chapter, just enough to keep turning the pages. It has unnerved me, not many books can rattle me by the end and only a few have. This one has done something to my brain, it has got me a bit on edge, I can’t trust anyone now!!!!!!! Writing like this is why I love reading. With a story that packs in different subjects that truly hit home upon reflection and crafted the way Manning has done in her book tells you a lot! I am so excited to see what she does next.
May 15, 2020
You know what? I don't care enough about this novel to do a full rant review (plus I'm playing Pokemon right now and that's DEFINITELY top priority) so I'm just going to list my problems with this book in bullet points to make this faster. Okay? Okay great, let's get this fuckin' done:
-None of the characters have any personality or characterization that is: interesting, engaging, relatable, or anything that makes them more than cardboard cutouts with a handful of emotions smeared on them. Annie is overbearing, demanding, crazy as fuck, and angry. Ben likes music. Daisy is...umm...shit, what was she?...you know what, I don't care, moving on.
-The prose is way too simple by adult standards. And the writing was basic and completely unsubtle. As I said in my update, if you don't where the story is going after a certain point, then you've obviously never read a piece of fiction in your life. EVER.
-The final showdown/climax/whatever that mess was towards the end was super fucking rushed and held little to no emotional weight.
-The conclusion was rushed as well and felt undeserving, like the author wanted to wrap everything up in a neat little bow but ended up slapping on a cheap, tacky bow that nearly fell off.
That's about it. Honestly, if you really want to read this, by all means do so. It's not the worst thing I've ever read and it makes for a quick summer read. Just don't go into it with high expectations.
-None of the characters have any personality or characterization that is: interesting, engaging, relatable, or anything that makes them more than cardboard cutouts with a handful of emotions smeared on them. Annie is overbearing, demanding, crazy as fuck, and angry. Ben likes music. Daisy is...umm...shit, what was she?...you know what, I don't care, moving on.
-The prose is way too simple by adult standards. And the writing was basic and completely unsubtle. As I said in my update, if you don't where the story is going after a certain point, then you've obviously never read a piece of fiction in your life. EVER.
-The final showdown/climax/whatever that mess was towards the end was super fucking rushed and held little to no emotional weight.
-The conclusion was rushed as well and felt undeserving, like the author wanted to wrap everything up in a neat little bow but ended up slapping on a cheap, tacky bow that nearly fell off.
That's about it. Honestly, if you really want to read this, by all means do so. It's not the worst thing I've ever read and it makes for a quick summer read. Just don't go into it with high expectations.
October 4, 2019
*thank you to Netgalley, Nina Manning and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
4 stars.
Ohh wow I enjoyed this story so much! It's classed as a Mystery Thriller but I feel that it's more than that. It also has an element of Horror to it as it repeatedly reminded me of Norman Bates's mother. So if you are familiar with the movie, Psycho and the tv series, Bates Motel, then you will know who I'm talking about.
The story is told by three narrators. Daisy, who is Ben's wife and is expecting a baby. Then there is Annie, the creepy crazy psycho mother of Ben. Then there is Grace. I had no idea what her part in all this was but I expected to have found out by the end. Her story seemed pointless and I couldn't figure out what it was all about. It felt so random and just odd, like it was out of place. But I knew there would she a reason for it and I just had to wait until that reason showed up and explained itself. And that it did. It made sense in the end and I now see that it was necessary to have in there. Ben, all his life had grown up up quite isolated from the world. His mother Annie hardly let him play among other friends and she kept him to herself as much as she possibly could. For Ben's whole life, it was just Annie and Ben. Ben and Annie. Then along came Daisy and after only having known Ben a matter of months, they end up getting married and Daisy falls pregnant. Things are going well between the two until Ben brings Daisy to his childhood home to meet Annie. That is where the horror starts and it keeps going right until the end.
Annie is someone that you would run a million miles from if you knew what went on inside her head. She is very manipulative, way over the top overprotective to the point where it's actually scary and there is obviously some deep psychological issues going on there, which does gets explained in the end to give us readers an understanding of why she's as she is. Daisy is, well, I didn't hate her but I didn't like her either. She's had a rough past which makes me feel empathy for her but I can't say that I actually liked her all that much. Ben, he was alright actually I didn't mind him and considering how he grew up, with Annie I'm rather surprised that he wasn't so screwed up. It showed a strength in him I thought.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and would recommend it.
4 stars.
Ohh wow I enjoyed this story so much! It's classed as a Mystery Thriller but I feel that it's more than that. It also has an element of Horror to it as it repeatedly reminded me of Norman Bates's mother. So if you are familiar with the movie, Psycho and the tv series, Bates Motel, then you will know who I'm talking about.
The story is told by three narrators. Daisy, who is Ben's wife and is expecting a baby. Then there is Annie, the creepy crazy psycho mother of Ben. Then there is Grace. I had no idea what her part in all this was but I expected to have found out by the end. Her story seemed pointless and I couldn't figure out what it was all about. It felt so random and just odd, like it was out of place. But I knew there would she a reason for it and I just had to wait until that reason showed up and explained itself. And that it did. It made sense in the end and I now see that it was necessary to have in there. Ben, all his life had grown up up quite isolated from the world. His mother Annie hardly let him play among other friends and she kept him to herself as much as she possibly could. For Ben's whole life, it was just Annie and Ben. Ben and Annie. Then along came Daisy and after only having known Ben a matter of months, they end up getting married and Daisy falls pregnant. Things are going well between the two until Ben brings Daisy to his childhood home to meet Annie. That is where the horror starts and it keeps going right until the end.
Annie is someone that you would run a million miles from if you knew what went on inside her head. She is very manipulative, way over the top overprotective to the point where it's actually scary and there is obviously some deep psychological issues going on there, which does gets explained in the end to give us readers an understanding of why she's as she is. Daisy is, well, I didn't hate her but I didn't like her either. She's had a rough past which makes me feel empathy for her but I can't say that I actually liked her all that much. Ben, he was alright actually I didn't mind him and considering how he grew up, with Annie I'm rather surprised that he wasn't so screwed up. It showed a strength in him I thought.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and would recommend it.
August 8, 2019
The Daughter In Law by Nina Manning is a début, first rate thriller that ticked all of the boxes for me. An uneasy feeling made its presence early and did not release me until the final shocking twist.
The story was told from three alternating perspectives - that of Annie, the mother-in-law, Daisy, the daughter-in-law, and Grace, whose part in the plot was unknown throughout the narrative until all was revealed. This novel was incredibly well put together and so well thought out for a début and I was mightily impressed. Not a single clue was given to me as the reader and I found myself living as if I were Daisy, not knowing what was going to happen next. This was an incredibly compelling read that I would not hesitate to recommend. I look forward to reading more contributions from this fabulous new author, Nina Manning.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The story was told from three alternating perspectives - that of Annie, the mother-in-law, Daisy, the daughter-in-law, and Grace, whose part in the plot was unknown throughout the narrative until all was revealed. This novel was incredibly well put together and so well thought out for a début and I was mightily impressed. Not a single clue was given to me as the reader and I found myself living as if I were Daisy, not knowing what was going to happen next. This was an incredibly compelling read that I would not hesitate to recommend. I look forward to reading more contributions from this fabulous new author, Nina Manning.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
August 4, 2023
The book started out reminding me a lot of a book I recently listened to, Liar. But it's not the same. It was a good read. Mother in law feeling daughter in law is stealing her son away. Secrets revealed all around. Ending with someone in jail and family reuniting. Recommend reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2019
The Daughter in Law is an exciting, suspenseful thriller by Nina Manning. Annie is a single mother who thinks no one is good enough for her Ben. Ben brings his new wife, Daisy, home to meet Annie and there’s instant tension. Annie misses Ben and will stop at nothing to reclaim her close relationship with her him, even if that means exposing the truths she found out about her daughter in law.
Does Daisy have something to hide from Ben and Annie? Is Annie too overprotective?
I really liked the pacing of this book. It was unpredictable, twisty and dark. You’ll find yourself second guessing everything you believe you know about the main characters. Manning challenges us to read between the lines and arrive at a riveting truth hidden beneath.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Does Daisy have something to hide from Ben and Annie? Is Annie too overprotective?
I really liked the pacing of this book. It was unpredictable, twisty and dark. You’ll find yourself second guessing everything you believe you know about the main characters. Manning challenges us to read between the lines and arrive at a riveting truth hidden beneath.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
August 6, 2019
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Oooooooo this is Twisted with a capital T!!! There's one thing having a close relationship with your son or daughter, and then there's another thing being completely possessive over them? Annie says that she is close to her son, Ben, how she wants him to be happy, so why is she determined to make his marriage break apart before it's even truly begun?
'The Daughter In Law' is told from different viewpoints; Annie, Daisy and Grace. Now, whilst we know from the start who Annie and Daisy are, who on Earth is Grace and where does she fit into everything?
I was very confused by Grace's character and it took me a little while to figure out what the point of her was, so to speak. It was as though she came out of nowhere which at times made me feel as though I was reading two different books as the change in character dynamics didn't seem to slot together well. Naturally, things do become much more clear towards the end of the book, but that confusion hindered my enjoyment of the book a little.
I felt a lot of empathy towards Daisy and her history. She has such a tortured soul who has no confidence in herself whatsoever. All she ever wanted was to be happy and supported in life, and that really isn't too much to ask is it? Up until marrying Ben, Daisy didn't really have anyone on her side except her best friend, Eve. How sad is that?
Michael Jackson may have asked this question over and over again, but no, Annie is definitely NOT okay! She is one messed up person. Maybe she was ill, who knows, but I definitely don't use that as a reason for her actions as it's offensive to those who are truly ill and don't choose to cause harm to those who they supposedly love. Of course everyone is different, Annie however, was evil. A nasty, nasty piece of work. Nina Manning was very clever in the way she wrote Annie's character as there were times where I felt as though I SHOULD be feeling sorry for Annie, especially at the beginning when I had no idea what sort of person she was like. I mean, not having your son come to see you for months on end must be upsetting.....BUT. Yes, there's a massive but, one which I won't delve into because of spoilers.
So yeah, this book is twisted. Clever....but twisted! Aside from the confusion with Grace's character, I did end up being gripped by the psychological rollercoaster ride which Nina Manning took me on. It was very hard to sit and watch what was happening to Daisy, knowing full well I couldn't shout out to her to warn her and, as daft as this sounds, I actually felt guilty for that! It just goes to show how invested in the storyline I became, and that is all down to the authors dark storytelling and sinister hook. A weirdly pleasing, yet highly gripping read. Be prepared to get your mind in a funk though, just saying!!
Oooooooo this is Twisted with a capital T!!! There's one thing having a close relationship with your son or daughter, and then there's another thing being completely possessive over them? Annie says that she is close to her son, Ben, how she wants him to be happy, so why is she determined to make his marriage break apart before it's even truly begun?
'The Daughter In Law' is told from different viewpoints; Annie, Daisy and Grace. Now, whilst we know from the start who Annie and Daisy are, who on Earth is Grace and where does she fit into everything?
I was very confused by Grace's character and it took me a little while to figure out what the point of her was, so to speak. It was as though she came out of nowhere which at times made me feel as though I was reading two different books as the change in character dynamics didn't seem to slot together well. Naturally, things do become much more clear towards the end of the book, but that confusion hindered my enjoyment of the book a little.
I felt a lot of empathy towards Daisy and her history. She has such a tortured soul who has no confidence in herself whatsoever. All she ever wanted was to be happy and supported in life, and that really isn't too much to ask is it? Up until marrying Ben, Daisy didn't really have anyone on her side except her best friend, Eve. How sad is that?
Michael Jackson may have asked this question over and over again, but no, Annie is definitely NOT okay! She is one messed up person. Maybe she was ill, who knows, but I definitely don't use that as a reason for her actions as it's offensive to those who are truly ill and don't choose to cause harm to those who they supposedly love. Of course everyone is different, Annie however, was evil. A nasty, nasty piece of work. Nina Manning was very clever in the way she wrote Annie's character as there were times where I felt as though I SHOULD be feeling sorry for Annie, especially at the beginning when I had no idea what sort of person she was like. I mean, not having your son come to see you for months on end must be upsetting.....BUT. Yes, there's a massive but, one which I won't delve into because of spoilers.
So yeah, this book is twisted. Clever....but twisted! Aside from the confusion with Grace's character, I did end up being gripped by the psychological rollercoaster ride which Nina Manning took me on. It was very hard to sit and watch what was happening to Daisy, knowing full well I couldn't shout out to her to warn her and, as daft as this sounds, I actually felt guilty for that! It just goes to show how invested in the storyline I became, and that is all down to the authors dark storytelling and sinister hook. A weirdly pleasing, yet highly gripping read. Be prepared to get your mind in a funk though, just saying!!
August 9, 2019
Tedious internal monologues. Waaaaay too much information about being pregnant.
I was impressed by the five star ratings, but I must have read a different book. As I began reading this leisurely-paced story, I didn’t need Miss Cleo to tell me that the storyline and its twists/turns would be predictable. Even the later, better twist(s) can be deduced from the clues dropped.
I didn’t warm to any MC, all of whom were flawed and/or had OTT negative opinions and thoughts. For example, there’s pregnant Daisy, who avoids prenatal care, drinks hard alcohol, and takes unknown medications that knock her out. Plus, I get waaaaay too much information about her being preggers.
Husband Ben is taking Daisy to meet his mother for the first time. Daisy wears a faded grey T-shirt with The Rolling Stones ‘tongue and lip’ logo, baggy green combat trousers with the top button open, and red high heels. How believable is that?
Mother-in-law Annie gives Daisy a small grey box, and Daisy excitedly thinks it’s an antique ring or brooch, “something so precious and possibly expensive.” Really?
What year does this story take place? At 5% Kindle mark, Daisy mentions “the new millennium” and her husband “being taken with his new BlackBerry phone.” So, I thought 2000 or 2001. At the 40% mark, up pops January 2008. Daisy is uncomfortable with some tech aspects . . . in 2008? She’s 28, not 58!
BTW, I finally learned Susie and Ben’s surname at the 33% mark.
Police procedural fan’s questions:
1. Why does the police give Daisy a copy of her dead roommate’s full autopsy? Did victim’s boyfriend of 3-4 years also get one?
2. Could a five-foot-four woman comfortably wear a five-foot-ten woman’s high heels? And run whilst wearing them?
3. How’d the murderer—who lives apart from others—learn that a secondary character has a cold?
The author needs a good editor to police punctuation, grammar, spelling, and odd word choices. “Peninsular” adjective vs. “peninsula” noun. “Frost infested.”
“Throngs of labour. An old, shabby apartment has a “compact and bijou kitchen.”
2 stars because I finished the book, by skimming.
I was impressed by the five star ratings, but I must have read a different book. As I began reading this leisurely-paced story, I didn’t need Miss Cleo to tell me that the storyline and its twists/turns would be predictable. Even the later, better twist(s) can be deduced from the clues dropped.
I didn’t warm to any MC, all of whom were flawed and/or had OTT negative opinions and thoughts. For example, there’s pregnant Daisy, who avoids prenatal care, drinks hard alcohol, and takes unknown medications that knock her out. Plus, I get waaaaay too much information about her being preggers.
Husband Ben is taking Daisy to meet his mother for the first time. Daisy wears a faded grey T-shirt with The Rolling Stones ‘tongue and lip’ logo, baggy green combat trousers with the top button open, and red high heels. How believable is that?
Mother-in-law Annie gives Daisy a small grey box, and Daisy excitedly thinks it’s an antique ring or brooch, “something so precious and possibly expensive.” Really?
What year does this story take place? At 5% Kindle mark, Daisy mentions “the new millennium” and her husband “being taken with his new BlackBerry phone.” So, I thought 2000 or 2001. At the 40% mark, up pops January 2008. Daisy is uncomfortable with some tech aspects . . . in 2008? She’s 28, not 58!
BTW, I finally learned Susie and Ben’s surname at the 33% mark.
Police procedural fan’s questions:
1. Why does the police give Daisy a copy of her dead roommate’s full autopsy? Did victim’s boyfriend of 3-4 years also get one?
2. Could a five-foot-four woman comfortably wear a five-foot-ten woman’s high heels? And run whilst wearing them?
3. How’d the murderer—who lives apart from others—learn that a secondary character has a cold?
The author needs a good editor to police punctuation, grammar, spelling, and odd word choices. “Peninsular” adjective vs. “peninsula” noun. “Frost infested.”
“Throngs of labour. An old, shabby apartment has a “compact and bijou kitchen.”
2 stars because I finished the book, by skimming.
August 6, 2019
Wow! Absolutely loved this one! Flew through it in just over 24 hours and couldn't turn the electronic pages fast enough! There are only a few characters but my goodness are they fleshed out - amazing development and depth, especially with Annie (the mother-in-law) and Daisy (the daughter-in-law). A twisty, turny, sinister thrill-ride which will have you holding your breath as you turn the page. I hated a character that deserved only sympathy and I almost empathised with one who deserved what they got in the end, which was wholly due to the fantastic writing. I can't believe this is a debut novel! My only criticism is that the ending felt a little rushed. I needed to know more of the intricacies of this dark relationship between Ben and his mother and what happened to them both after the explosive build up to the ending which then fell a little flat with its 'happy ever after' vibes. A stunning first novel. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more by Nina Manning!
July 27, 2019
Enjoyable, but pretty standard domestic thriller. I was glued to the pages, but overall this didn't wow me. I expected from the blurb there would be more of a missing person situation than what it actually was, and I did not expect quite so much pregnancy related content, specifically a lot of the action involving Daisy lying in bed and being pregnant. This was a fun ride for the most part, but I wouldn't particularly recommend it over other domestic thrillers.
*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2021
Very predictable, I was able to see the ending very early on in the book.
The middle of the book felt like a filler, and unnecessarily repetitive just to make the book longer than it should be
It gained 2 stars because of the audiobook. The narrators, Helen Keeley and Candida Gubbins, were amazing! I wouldn’t have finished the book if I read it physically.
The middle of the book felt like a filler, and unnecessarily repetitive just to make the book longer than it should be
It gained 2 stars because of the audiobook. The narrators, Helen Keeley and Candida Gubbins, were amazing! I wouldn’t have finished the book if I read it physically.
September 11, 2024
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
This thriller failed to ignite me with a predictable, far-fetched plot and incredibly selfish, unlikeable characters. It wasn’t too taxing and there were not too many characters but I don’t believe it was the most gripping of page turners.
This thriller failed to ignite me with a predictable, far-fetched plot and incredibly selfish, unlikeable characters. It wasn’t too taxing and there were not too many characters but I don’t believe it was the most gripping of page turners.
July 7, 2019
I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an review of
I am here for the Sociopathic mother in law thriller trend. The book itself is nothing special, an entertaining 3, but the crazy gran took it up to 3.5
I am here for the Sociopathic mother in law thriller trend. The book itself is nothing special, an entertaining 3, but the crazy gran took it up to 3.5
August 26, 2019
If I finish a book in less than a week, you know it’s going to be 5 stars! Highly recommend!
August 1, 2019
Claustrophobic, menacing and yet so believable, 'The Daughter In Law', is a riveting read.
It was always Annie and Ben until it wasn't. Annie can't understand why her only child has left her and married in secret. Now he is bringing her daughter in law to visit, and she has to be prepared.
Daisy's has secrets, her whirlwind romance with Ben offers her a new life, but still, she dreads meeting her mother in law.
Told from Annie and Daisy's point of view, the story begins to unfold, and each chapter brings a new revelation making you uneasy as you read on. The characters are complex, emotionally damaged, but believable. Annie seems extreme in her dominance of Ben, but the bond between a mother and her child is strong, and not always easy to share.
The plot twists begin early on, and gradually you start to realise there is something sinister going on, but who is the true victim. The suspense building is excellent, making this a genuine page-turner.
The last few chapters are so atmospheric, creepy and visual. You can see the action unfolding in your mind, even though you are metaphorically watching through your fingers.
A classy psychological novel, with many unique elements, vivid imagery and characters that resonate.
I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 31, 2020
I liked the way child loss was portrayed so accurately-both the pain of miscarriage and the pain of losing a child to adoption. It was hard to read at times because of those topics but overall I enjoyed the story. I gave it only two stars though because it just felt too far-fetched even if it was entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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